Molecular Detection of Begomoviruses Infecting Some Vegetable Crops in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Begomoviruses have a huge impact on crop production worldwide. Investigations of begomviruses in four vegetable crops namely cucumber, squash, tomato, and watermelon were conducted by visual symptoms and molecular analysis using PCR with universal primers for begomoviruses. Obtained sequencing results of the core Coat Protein confirmed the presence of three already reported begomoviral species. TYLCV was detected on tomato samples exhibiting leaf curling and yellowing. Squash and greenhouse-grown cucumber plants were infected with the Oman strain TYLCV-OM. Watermelon chlorotic stunt virus (WmCSV) isolates were detected in watermelon and greenhouse cucumbers. The begomoviral species ToLCPMV shared 99% identity with the Iranian isolates that are known to be very destructive. Integrated pest management should be implemented against whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) to prevent the spread of begomoviruses on vegetable crops.